One person has died while 27 suspected cultists were arrested during an initiation ceremony at Urohi Village in Esan West Local Government Area, Edo State.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.
Ikoedem explained that the arrests occurred on December 13 at around 10:00pm, following credible intelligence.
The statement read, “During a coordinated operation at Urohi Village, Esan West Local Government Area of the State, the Edo State Police Command arrested 27 suspected members of the Neo Black Axe Movement of Nigeria (Black Axe). The operation, which took place on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at about 10:00pm, followed credible intelligence that the suspected cult group had converged in the area, about 18 kilometres from Ekpoma, for an initiation exercise.
“Acting on credible intelligence at the disposal of the command, the Divisional Police Officer, Ekpoma Division, SP Nelson Igbinoba, was swiftly deployed to lead a combined team of Police tactical operatives, local vigilantes, and hunters to the location.
“During the attempt to arrest the suspects, one of the cultists opened fire on the police and in a fierce gun duel, the suspect was neutralised. Twenty-seven suspects were successfully arrested, while the following items were recovered and registered as exhibits, one locally made shotgun, one live cartridge, one battle axe, one knife and a Toyota Camry with registration number AUC 377 LU.
“Also recovered is another Toyota Camry with registration number RBC 867 JJ, one Lexus RX Jeep without registration number, 51 cell phones of different makes, 15 pairs of different colours of Timberland boots and several sling bags all containing substance suspected to be Indian hemp.”
The Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, directed the immediate transfer of the suspects to the State Criminal Investigation Department for detailed investigation and prosecution. He also praised the operatives for their swift response and professionalism.
Agbonika reassured the public of the command’s unwavering commitment to tackling cultism and all forms of criminal activity across the state.
He urged residents to continue supporting the police by providing timely and credible information through the available emergency lines.
In October, the Delta State Police Command arrested four suspected cultists for initiating a toddler into their group in the Sapele area.
In a viral video, the toddler was shown blindfolded by the suspects while pouring hot drink into his mouth.